Table of Contents
Welcome to the latest edition of Texas Legislative News for the 89th Texas Legislature. In this regular feature, we provide information on disability-related issues and bills under consideration at the State Capitol. We also explain how lawmakers conduct business, and we share details on upcoming TCDD events.
Legislature Adjourns ‘Sine Die’
Monday, June 2, was the 140th and final day of the Legislature’s regular session. At the Capitol, this is called “sine die,” a Latin term meaning “without day.” Lawmakers use this term when they adjourn without picking a specific day to assemble again in the future.
Regular sessions in 2021 and 2023 ended with virtual certainty that lawmakers would return for special sessions. But Monday’s adjournment came after lawmakers wrapped up most of the priorities named by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows. Even a proposal on judicial pay raises, which appeared uncertain due to a standoff between the House and the Senate, was approved in the session’s final minutes.
The power to call a special session lies solely with the governor, so observers will watch to see if Abbott decides to call legislators back to address any unfinished business.
Governor’s Veto Deadline Approaches
Over the next few weeks, Abbott will review the bills passed in the regular session. The governor has until Sunday, June 22, to act on those measures. He can sign a bill into law, let a bill pass into law without his signature, or veto a bill to prevent it from taking effect.
Up to this point, Abbott has vetoed two bills from the 89th legislative session. In previous sessions, he vetoed as many as 76 bills. The governor’s veto decisions may also determine whether he calls a special session.
Disability-Related Bills Approved
Lawmakers approved three noteworthy disability-related bills in the final days of the regular session. These bills, which were all featured as TCDD Bills of the Week, now head to the governor:
- Senate Bill (SB) 57 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, which would ensure public schools have safety plans and accommodations for students with disabilities during safety drills and disasters or emergencies.
- SB 66 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, which would require a study on authorizing supported decision-making agreements to include assistance in legal proceedings.
- SB 568 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, which would restructure funding for special education programs in public schools.
TCDD Advocacy Survey
As the 89th legislative session ends, we’re gathering feedback on the information and resources we offered to keep you informed and engaged with business happening at the Capitol. Please take our short survey to share your input and help us plan our future advocacy activities.
Join TCDD for a Capitol Recap on Disability Policy
On Wednesday, June 25, TCDD will host a Disability Policy Academy titled “A Capitol Recap: Disability Policy in the 89th Legislature.” The free event is open to the public and will feature:
- an overview of new disability-related laws;
- a summary of disability issues that remain unaddressed;
- a discussion on topics lawmakers may cover in the legislative interim; and
- a Q&A session with TCDD’s public policy analysts and other disability advocates.
Participating organizations include the Autism Society of Texas, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Texas Advocates, and Texas Parent to Parent.
The event will be held via Zoom. Participants must register ahead of time to attend. TCDD will provide Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) service. If you need other accommodations to participate, please indicate that when registering and email Koren Vogel or call her at 512-948-2035.
Date: Wednesday, June 25
Time: 1-2:30 p.m. Central Time
Register for the Disability Policy Academy
Stay Informed
Throughout the 89th Texas legislative session, you can stay up to date on how lawmakers address disability issues by following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also check out our Policy section to learn more about our legislative engagement and find resources to support your own advocacy.
